

.'■:=iK4f 




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:^OSE M^CREA: 




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HISTORICAL DRAMA. 


1 
1 


By EMILY E. KENYON. 



ROSE M^CREA 



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HISTORICAL DRAMA. 



By EMILY E. KENYON. 



4 :dds. /4 Scenes. 5 laUeaux, 



Copyright. 

EMILY E. KENTON". 

A. D. 18Tb. 



BOSTON: 

ALFRED MUDGE & SON, PRINTERS, 

34 School Street. 

1876. 






'is*; 



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- 


t^L 






^ 


\ 


^^* 


DBAMATIS PEBSON^. 


Gen-. Wasiiixgton^. 






Lord Cornwallis. 


Gex. Lafayette. 






Gen. Howe. 


Gen. Putxam. 






Col. Eeed. 


Gen. Stark. 






Herman. 


Gen. Lincoln. 






Antoine . 


Dr. Franklyn. 






Two Indian Chiefs. 


Capt. Brooks. 






Lady Washington. 


Capt. Wm. Lucas. 






Madame Lafayette. 


Pres. Peyton Randolph, 


y^ ^ 




Mrs. JNIcCrea. 


Pres. John Hancock, 


r gi 




Eose McCrea. 


Sec. Charles Thomson, 


rll 




Mrs. Brown. 


John Adams, 


)a^ 




Annie Brown. 


Baron Steuben, Prus. 






Mary Knight. 


FAR3IER Brown. 






Colored Woman. 


Johnny Brown. 






A Clergyman. 


Jonathan Briggs. 






Soldiers, Etc. 


Mr. McCrba. 








TABLEAUX. 



First. Battle Bunker Hill and Burning of Charlestown. 

Second. Continental Congress signing the Declaration of 
Independence. 

Third. Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. 

Fourth. The Goddess of Liberty, with Equestrian Statues of 
Gen. Washington and Gen. Lafayette. 

Fifth. The International Exposition with Forty-Two States. 



ACT FIRST. 

Scene First. 

(A farm-house kitchen, April 19, 1775. 3frs. Brown, a mid- 
dle-aged lady ; Annie Brown, a young lady ; Johnny Broivn, a 
boy fourteen years of age ; William Lucas, a young man. Mrs. 
Brov)n kneading bread; Annie Brown wiping dishes. A loiid 
knock at the door, ivhich is opened by Johnny. William Lucas 
enters in a hurried manner and says) : Where is Farmer Brown ? 

(3Irs. Brown comes forward loith her hands and eipron covered 
with flour, and answers) : He has gone down to plough the ten- 
acre lot near Stony Brook. But what's the matter, William? 
I heard the bells ringing before light this morning. 

William Lucas. Matter? Matter enough! Why, the Brit- 
ish came on from Boston last night and have been fighting 
up to Lexington this morning. They meant to surprise us, 
but Paul Revere was over to Charlestown watching for the 
signal-light, and as quick as he saw it he rode all the way 
through to Concord, rousing all the minute-men on the road, 
so there were sixty or seventy waiting to receive the redcoats 
at Lexington. 

Mrs. Brown. Were there many British soldiers there, 
William? 

William Lucas. Oh, yes ! There were hundreds of them. 
Colonel PiLcairn led them, and when he met the minute-men 
at the turn of the road he cried out in a lofty tone : " Throw 
down your arms and disperse, you rebels ! " But our fellows 
didn't obey him, so he brandished his sword and fired a pis- 
tol. Then his men shouted and fired. 

Annie Brown. Oh dear me ! I hope they did n't hurt any- 
body. 

William Lucas {with emotion). They killed seven and hurt 
nine more, and are now marching on towards Concord. 
Alf the minute-men are called out instantly, so I came after 
Farmer Brown. 

Mrs Brown. Here, Johnny! Go down and tell your father 
to come home as quick as he can. 



William Lucas. There is no time to lose, and as he is a 
good piece towards Concord now, we will carry his gun and 
powder horn down to the lot, so he can go right along from 
there. 

(^Mrs Brown turns pale, seems undecided, then goes into ad- 
joining room and brings out the gun. Johnny takes down the 
powder-horn that was hanging over the fireplace, then takes the 
gun from his mother's hand and runs out. Wiiliam Lucas says 
a few words to Annie in a low tone, and bids her good-by. She 
then bursts into tears. Curtain falls.) 



Scene Second. 

(A wooded knoll between Concord and Boston. William Lu- 
cas, Farmer Brown, and two other half-equipped minute-men 
sitting on a rock with their guns resting beside them, etc.) 

Farmer Brown. Why, the first I knew about it, Johnny 
came running down to the field with ray gun and powder-horn, 
and said that William Lucas wanted rae to meet him out to 
Buttrick's Corner, for the British had come to fight us ; so I 
come right along 

(^Jonathan Briggs, a tall, lank, 7ingainly fellow, vnth a basket 
of doughnuts on his arm and a gun on his shoulder, now joins 
them, saying): Wall, wall! You see I was kinder scared at 
fust. Why! I e'enamost lost my equi — equi — wilbraham, 
but I took a leetle cider and got kinder stidied down, then 
took this old guii and bid Jerusha good-by and started. She 
made me bring along this 'ere basket of doughnuts. (He 
passes the basket, saying): Help yourself, help yourself! for 
I s'pose some on you hain't had any breakfast yet. 

Farmer Brown. Well, I have been so mad ever since I 
heard liow those redcoats murdered our neighbors up to 
Lexington that I had n't thought to ask what they have done 
at Concord. I suppose they went up there to destroy our 
supplies, did n't they? 

William Lucas. Yes, they spiked two cannon and destroyed 
hundreds of cannon-balls and sixty barrels of flour. 

Farmer Brown. Did they kill anybody up to Concord? 

Jonathan Briggs. Wall, I heerd that Capt. Davis and 
another man was killed. 



William Lucas, (Starts and seizes his gun, saijing) : There I 
did you hear that report? I suppose the British are coming. 
They will face us at this turn in the road We 'il give thein 
a warm reception. Don't waste your powder, boys ! 

Jonathan Briggs. Gosh! I allers brings down a squirrel, 
and I guess I can bring down some of them are Britishers. 

(The British troops now a2:)pear marching along the road, with 
two mounted officers cheering them along. Farmer Brown, Wil- 
liam Lucas, and Jonathan Briggs and the two other minute-men 
keep up an indiscriminate jire on them from behind a stone-wall 
and trees. Curtain falls.) 

TABLEAU. 

(Battle of Bunker Hill, and Burning of Charlestoum.) 



ACT SECOND. 

Scene First. 

(McCrea's parlor in Boston. Mrs. 3IcCrea and Hose 3IcCrea 
sitting. 3Ir. 3IcCrea enters and says to them) : I hope you have 
made due preparation for the ball to-night. 

Bose. father I I don't care to go. I am so lonesome 
since that great battle. 

Mr, McCrea. But you must go. It will be magnificent. 
Gen. Gage, with many of the most distinguished officers of 
our lawful sovereign, will be there. 

Bose. Will there be any rebels (as you call them) there, 
father? 

3Ir. 3IcCrea. Oh, yes. Society is in such a mixed state at 
present that there will probably be some rebels there. We 
expect to see all the fashion and elite of this city, which com- 
prises the loveliest ladies in the land. But my Rose will be 
queen of all. 

(Exit Bose.) 

3Irs, McCrea. I hope this will benefit Rose, for she seems 
very unhappy. I sometimes fear she has given her heart to 
that rebel Brooks. 

Mr. 3IcCrea. Oh, I guess not: anyway, she will SDon for- 
get him. Thave a particular reason for wishing her to attend 
this ball, because I have promised Col. Reed an introduction 
to my daughter. 



3Irs. McCrea. When her cousin Annie came to spend the 
winter with us I hoped her company might Improve Rose, but 
I don't see as it maizes any diflV-rence. Gapt. Lucas will 
escort Annie to the ball. I hope Jiose will not meet Brooks 
there. 

Mr. MoCrea. Oh, no; there is no danger of that. He has 
gone to New Yorlj. 

Scene Second. 

(^The haU-room, loitli a brilliant company assembled. 3Ir. 
McCrea crosses the room with Col. Beed, and introduces him to 
Mrs. 3IcCrea, Miss McCrea, and 3Iis3 Brown. The music com- 
mences, and Mr. and Mrs. McCrea, Col. Reed and Miss Mc- 
Crea, Capt. Lucas and Miss Brown^ join in quadrille. Curtain 
falls at close of dance.) 

Scene- Third. 

{Continental Congress, Philadilphia. Peyton Bandolph, Pres- 
ident ; Charles Thomson, S cretary. George Washington, Dr. 
Franklin, and John Adim-i ; Joh'i Hincock, vnth twenty-eight 
others, but only twelve v^te, one to rejjresent each Colony ) 

(Jir. Randolph rises and says) : The time has now arrived 
when it is necessary for us, as delegates from the twelve 
Colonies, to determine w^hether we will join New England in 
actual war, or abandon the glorious liberty for which we have 
long contended. All those in favor of making actual war 
against our oppressors will now make it manifest by raising 
the right hand. (Several raise their right hands.) All those 
against the war will please raise the right hand. 

(ii/r. Thomson records the vote, then says) : The vote stands 
in favor of the Colonies being immediately put in a state of 
defence and actual war against our oppressors. {Mr. Thom- 
son then rises and reads) : Resolved, that addresses be sent to 
King George and the people of Great Britain, and to the 
Assembly of Jamaica, informing them of our resolutions. 
Also res )lved that twenty thousand men immediately be 
equipped and bills of credit issued, for which the twelve 
United Colonies stand pledged. 

{John Hancock then rises and says^ : Mr. President, I would 
propose the appointment of George Washington, of Virginia, 
as commander-in-chief of the army. 



{John Adams says) : I second the motion. 

(31r. Bandolph then rises and says) : It is proposed that 
Geo. Washington, of Virginia, a member ol'this Congress, be 
appointed commander-in-chief of the army and all the forces 
of these United Colonies. 

(He then pi'oceeds to take the vote, lohicJi is decided in the 
affirmative. Congress adjourns. Curtain falls.) 

TABLEAU. 

{Independence Hall, Philadelphia. Signing the Declaration of 
Independence. Loud ringing of bells at the close of the tableau.) 



ACT THIRD. — New York. 

Scene First. 

{Greenfields, with a view of Kipps Bay in the distance. Capt. 
Brooks and Capt. Lucas in confidential conversation.) 

Capt. Lucas. Well, I suppose the British will attempt to 
laud here this very day. 

Capt. Brooks. Well, if they do, I hope we may be able to 
repulse them as bravely as Gen. Lee did down at South 
Carolina. 

Capt. Lucas. Yes. I see that Congress has unanimously 
voted thanks to Gen. Lee and Colonels Moultrie and 
Thomson for their gallant defence of Charleston. 

Capt. Brooks. Oa, yes; and Gov. Rutledge presented his 
own sword to Sergt Jasper, for his courage. 

Capit. Lucas. Was it Sergt. Jasper that amid the shower 
of balls from the British vessels, leaped over the rampart and 
picked up the flag, and fastened it to a sponge statf, mounted 
the merlon, and nailed it fast? 

Capt. Brooks. Yes, that was the brave. Sergt. Jasper! 

Capt. Lucas. Well, the British made a fierce attack; for 
there was scarcely a hut or tree left on Sullivan's Island 
after the battle; and seven thousand cannon-balls were 
picked up, which, I hope, may be soon returned to their 
former owners with interest. By the way, Brooks, I heard 
a lady inquiring about you yesterday. 

Capt. Brooks. A lady inquiring about me ! Who was it? 

Cajyt. Lucas. Rose McCrea. 



8 

Capt. Brooks. Rose McCrea! Where did you see her? 

Gapt. Lucas. Why, Annie Brown, a friend of mine, is vis- 
iting at McCrea's. Annie and Rose are cousins. 

Gapt. Brooks. Well, well, I haven't seen Rose in along 
time. When I called to bid her good-by, just before I left 
Boston, Mr. McCrea told me she was out, and slammed the 
door in my face. 

Gapt. Lncas. Did he dare do that? What a contemptible 
old Tory he is, anyway ! 

Capt. Brooks. That 's so ; for I have written two letters 
to Rose, but have not heard from her. He probably inter- 
cepted the letters. 

{lieports of firearms are now heard, and two American 
soldiers come running towards them. Gaptains Brooks and 
Lucas cry, ^^ Halt! halt!" Gapt. Brooks asks the foremost 
one ivhat he is running for, and he answers, hurriedly, that 
the British are landing in great force at Kipps Bay. The Brit- 
ish troops are now seen advancing in the distance, and tlie 
American soldiers that had been posted to oppose them, are re- 
treating, panic-stricken. Gen. WasJiington, mounted on horse- 
back, now gallops towards the enemy, vainly endeavoring to 
rally his men. Finally, Gen. Washington, in despair^ rides up 
front of the enemy, turns his horse head towards them, and 
dashes his hat upon the ground, evidently hoping to die there 
rather than to be cowardly deserted by his troops; but his 
attendants seize the bridle of his horse and hurry him from 
the field. The curtain falls.) 

Scene Second. 

{Gen. Washington's headquarters at Morris Heights, ten miles 
from New York. Gen. Washington^ Gen. Putnam, and Gen, 
Stark.) 

Gen. Washington. Our army has met with sad reverses 
recently. I scarcely know what to do, for the British seem 
to have every advantage. 

Gen. Putnam. I am so mad to think we had to retreat 
from New York and leave such a great amount of provisions 
and baggage stores to fall into the hands of the Tories. 

Gen. Washington. Orders from Congress have just arrived 
for us to hold Fort Washington as long as possible, and to 



9 

obstruct the navlsation of the North River by all means. 
Superhuman eflbrt is needed to manage and control our forces. 
Only think of our aniiy posted at the extreme distance of 
sixteen miles ! 

Gen. Stark. And what an unprincipled, cruel foe we have 
to contend with ! Only think of the inhuman acts committed 
by the British soldiers during that great flre in New York! 
They accused the Sons of Liberty of being the incendiaries, 
and hurled suspected persons into the midst of the flimes of 
the burning buildings 1 

Gen. Washington. — That was shocking! (A soldier now 
arrives ivith despatches for Gen. Washington; he reads them, 
then says) More bad news ! {but is too deeply affected to inform 
them of the extent of the misfortune. He hands them to Gen. 
Putnam, who reads aloud) : " The British have taken Fort 
Washington with nearly the whole garrison, comprising about 
two thousand men. The garrison fought bravely, but were 
obliged to succumb to the superior force of the enemy. The 
British forces, now elated with success, threaten Fort Lee 
and the whole American army." 

QA long silence ensues; then Gen. Putnam brings his fist 
down on the tibleioilh great force, saying): Never despair! 
if you don't succeed in capturing the wolf the tirst time you 
attempt it, you must try again, as I did. For if we keep up 
good courage we shall surely succeed in bringing this British 
wolf or lion out of his den by the ears. 

Gen. Stark. Yes ; I have heard of your exploit in bringing 
that wolf out of his den, General, and have always admired 
your courage and perseverance. 

{Exeunt. Curtain falls.) 

Scene Third. 

{Gen. Hovne's headquarters. Gen. Hoioeand Col. Peed. Her- 
man and Antoine, servants. A table with decanters, glasses, 
etc.) 

Herman. Veil, vee has von goot time, vee has all de vine 
and lager dat vee vants to trink. 

Antoine. Yah, yah! dat ish petterish goot. Vee vill trink to 
Janarel Howe and King Shorge. 

{They hear some one coming, drain their glasses, and hastily 
retire. Enter Gui. Howe with Col. Peed.) 



10 

{Gen. Howe goes to the table and fills two glasses, hands one to 
Col. Heed, saying) : (H)ere's to the success of Kiug George ! 

{Col Beed lifts his glass, saying) : (H )ere's to the success of 
King George and Lord (H)ovve with the British army. {They 
drink, then take seats.) 

Gen. Howe {ivith strong English accent). Well, we (h)ave 
(h)ad great success, and I (h)ope it may continue until every 
W(h)ig is compelled to take the oath of allegiance. 

Col. Beed. The ultimate success of our army can no longer 
be doubted. Where was the American army when last 
(h)eard from, General? 

Gen. Howe. We (h)ave just received despatches from Lord 
Cornwallis informing us that the American forces (h)adjust 
retreated through the Jerseys, and that our advance even saw 
the last of AVashington's army crossing the Delaware River. 
But Washington (h)ad taken the precaution to secure all the 
boats for sixty miles north of Philadelphia, so that Lord 
Cornwallis could follow them no further. But our army is 
encamped on the Jersey side of the river, waiting for it to 
freeze over, — which it must soon do as it is now December; 
then they can easily advance on Pliiladelphia, 

Col. Beed. What can Washington do with two thousand 
half-naked, starving men, against thirty thousand of the best 
trained soldiers in the world? 

Gen. Howe. Oh, he can do nothing! Why, we already 
(h)ave possession of Boston, Staten Island, Long Island, and 
the city of New York, a portion of Rhode Island and nearly 
the whole of the Jerseys, and now threaten Philadelphia and 
Washington. 

Col. Beed. What about this proclamation you (h)ave just 
issued in the king's name. General? 

Gen. Howe. In the king's name we offer pardon and pro- 
tection to all those that will lay down their arms and take 
the oath of allegiance during the next sixty days. 

Col. Beed. That is a good thing. Self-interest, self-interest 
governs us all. General. {He rises, saying) : I will now bid 
you adieu, as I have an engagement to dine at Mr. McCrea's. 

{Gen. Howe detains him to drink another glass ofvnne. Gen. 
Howe, raising his glass, soys) : (H)ere 's to your success in 
love with the charming Rose ! 

{They drink the toast in silence. Exit Col. Beed. Curtain 
falls.) 



11 



TABLEAU. 

(A saow szene at Valley Forge. Log-Jiuts in the distance and 
a camp-fire in the foreground, around which several half-clad 
soldiers are sitting ivith bowed heads. Oen. Washington, kneel- 
ing, ivith clasped, uplifted hands, says, ** Lord, have mercy 
upon us! have mercy upon usf") 



ACT FOURTH. 

ScENK First. 

(Interior of Gen. Washington's log-hut at Valley Forge. The 
howling luind shakes the cabin. A scanty fire on the hearih and 
a lighted candle on a stand. Gen. Washington, Lady Washing^ 
ton, Gen. L'lfiyette, 3Iadame Lafayette, Baron Steiiben, Prus- 
sia^i. Lady Washington seated knitting, and Madame Lafayette 
reading a French newspaper aloud.) 

" Paris, le cinq Novr. 

"Les Colonies Araericaines sent clans une condition horrible. 
Q'land notre brave jeune compatriote, le Marquis de la 
Fayette, apprit leur pauvrete et leur detresse il acheta uu 
vaisseau pour porter les depeches du Dr. Franklin avec lui- 
meme etses amis en Araerique. Depuis qu-il est arrive la, il 
a acheta des provisions et des veteraents avec sou argent 
pour les soldats aflfames." 

(Gen. Washington, Gen. Lafayette, and B iron Steuben enter, 
their coats covered with snow-flakes. Gen. Lafayette is still 
somewhat lame from the effects of the wound he received at the 
battle of Brandywine. Lady Washington and Madame La- 
fayette arise to greet them.) 

3Iadame Lafayette. Quel orage I 

Gen. Lafayette. Oui; les temps est horrible ! 

Gen. Washington. Yes, the weather is horrible and the 
times are horrible I My heart aches to see the suffering of 
our poor soldiers, exposed to this dreadful storm in such a 
destitute, starving condition. 

Lady Washington. Is it true, George, that your army left 
their bloody footprints on the snow, as they marched here 
from Whitemarsh? 

Gen. Washington. Yes, it is true, Martha, too trnel 



12 

Many of them are half naked, with their bare feet on the 
snow. In fact, this army must soon be dissolved unless some- 
thing can be done to supply their immediate wants. 

Lady Washington. What can you do, George? 

Gen. Washington. Well, I have just received orders from 
Congress to seize all the provisions within seventy miles of 
Valley Forge. That will last us a while, but when that is 
consumed I fear we shall be obliged to disband, or starve. 

{Baron Steuben has been watching Gen. Washington very 
intently, and now says, with great vehemence) : I drill dar may ! 
I drill dar-may ! {He then, idth violent gestures, goes through 
pantomime di'ill.) 

(Gen. Washington advances and takes Baron Steuben by the 
hand, saying) : Yes, that is what this army needs. You shall 
drill the army, and perhaps, by God's help, we may yet gain 
the victory. 

{Gen. Lafayette then advances and takes the hand of Gen. 
Washington, saying) : Ja-nar-al Vossenton! Van 1 hear da 
Col-o-nais, so-long-nail-man, daclair dair in-de-pang-dans, I 
say I vill give me life, me goold, to dafond da braive Col-o- 
nais day lar marekay ! 

Gen. Washington. God grant that you may yet be fully 
rewarded for your courage and generosity in leaving the lux- 
urious affluence [of your native land to offer your services, 
your fortune, and your life, to help achieve the independence 
of America. {Exit.) 

Scene Second. 

{3Iartha Washington peeling apples, and a colored woman 
rolling pie-cnist. A soldier and a market-woman, with a large 
basket on her arm, enters. The soldier says, loith deference :) 

Lady Washington, allow me to introduce Mary Knight, the 
good woman you so much wished to see. 

{Lady Washington shakes hands loith her, invites her to be 
seated, and says) : Yes, I have heard so much of your gojd 
deeds that I wished to thank you for furnishing and cooking 
provisions for our poor soldiers, and then, disguised as you 
now are, bringing it to Valley Forge. May God bless and 
reward you ! 

3Iary Kkight {deeply affected, says) : I ask no greater re- 



13 

ward than the satisfiiction of feelina: that I have done all in 
my power towards alleviating the suffering of the brave de- 
fenders of my country. 

Lad>j Washington. I have also heard that you saved your 
brother's life, by concealing hira, when the British had set a 
price on his head and were hunting for him. How did you 
conceal liim? 

Mirij Knight. I headed him up in an empty cider hogs- 
head in my cellar. He remained in it three days. 

(Enter Midame Lafayette ) 

Lady Washington. Did the British search your house? 

3fary Knight. Oh, yes ; they searched it four times, for 
they thought he must be there ; but they did not find him. 

Lady Washington Was n't he almost starved? 

Mary Knight. Oh, no; I gave him his food through the 
bung hole of the hogshea.l. 

(Jonathan Briggs enters, looking very wretched ; he has a large 
blanket around him, but his feet are almost bare. He says): 
Where is Gen. Washington? 

(The Soldier answers, saying) : Gen. Washington has gone 
out to visit the camp. 

Jonathan Briggs. I swan ! that is too bad, for I come 
to see if I could n't beg a pair of old boots, or sumthin' to 
keep my feet off this ice and snow. 

(Lady Washington takes a pair of long woollen stockings off 
the table and hinds them to him, saying) : H;re is a pair of 
stockings I had just finished for Gen. Washington, but you 
need them mire than he does. 

Jonithi,n Briggs Thank you, marm ! thank you, raarm ! 

(Madame Lafayette has been loatching Jonathan Briggs very 
intently. She now goes into an adjoining room and brings out 
a pair of fine, ornamental boots, very small size; hands them to 
Briggs, saving) : Get soldat est a plaindre. Je lui donnerai 
les bottes de Gen Lifayette. 

(Jonathan Briggs takes th", boots and looks at them, and with 
a ludicrous smile looks at hi-i large feet, then returns the boots to 
Madame Lafaydte, saving) : Thank you, marm ! Perhaps I 
can step into Gen. Washington's stockings, but I swokj I can't 
step into Gen. Lafayette's boots, for both on um wouldn't 
cover one of my huffs! 

(Mary Knight now opens her basket and gives him some dough- 
nuts, which he seizes with avidity 'and puts some of them in his 



14 

pocket and commences eating one, then says) : These dough- 
nuts raike me think of poor Jerusha. I s'pose she's mighty 
lonesome, now. There ain't many women that can make such 
good doughnuts, and I allers did love doughnuts ! 

{Exit Mary Knight, Jonathan Briggs, and the Soldier. Cur- 
tain falls ) 

Scene Third. 

{A summer scene in a X'leasant grove near Fort Edward.) 

Capt. Brooks. How are you, Will, since the great battle ? 

Capt. Lucas. Oh, I am all right except a little trouble 
with that ball in my cheek. 

Capt. Brooks. You had a narrow escape. If that ball 
bad gone an inch higher you would have been a dead man. 

Capt. Lucas. Well, they say a miss is as good as a mile, 
but I would rather have been a mile from that ball. 

Capt. Brooks. Wlien Burgoyne's Canadians and Indians 
saw how Gen. Stark's militia could fight didn't they run? 
But the British and Germans, nearly every one of them, fell 
into our hands. 

Capt Lucas. Well, that was pretty close fighting at 
Bennington. Did you hear what Gen. Stark said when he 
saw the British forming for battle? 

Capt. Brooks. No. What did he say? 

Capt. Lucas. He said, *'See, men! There are the red- 
coats. We must beat them to-day, or Molly Stark 's a widow." 

Capt. Brooks. Gen. Stark is a brave man, and I am so 
glad that we are once more successful in war, for I don't 
wonder many stout hearts have quailed when I think of the 
hardships and reverses that we have suO'ered during the past 
year. But what success have we in love, Will? I hope you 
bring good news from Kose. 

Capt. Lucas. Well, poor Rose is nearly heart-broken by the 
death of her mother, but she was delighted to hear from you. 
Since Washington's proclamation it seems that old Tory, her 
father, gives her no peace. He is determined that she shall 
marry Col. Reed. 

Ca2)t. Brooks (with great vehemence). And I am deter- 
mined that she shall not ! 

CajH. Lucas. Well, they say strategy is fair in love and 
war. 



15 

Capt Brooks. Have you succeeded in arranging an interview 
between us, Will? 

Ca2}t. Liicas. Yes; by great palaver and deception I 
have obtained Mr. McCrea's consent to talce Annie and Rose 
out riding towards night. To-night at eight o'clock Rose 
will meet you at the Old Oak. 

Capt. Brooks (in excited tone). For Heaven's sake, don't 
fail, don't fail, Will! 

{Sound of drum is heard in the distance. Exit.) 

Scene Fourth. 

{The Old Oak in the golden moonlight. The sound of ivheels 
is heard in the distance, and a signal between Capt. Brooks 
and Lucas. Capt. Brooks advances to met Bose, embraces 
her, and says tenderly): What's the matter, darling? You 
are more like a lily than a rose. 

Bose. Oh, I don't know, I don't know I My father has 
had a long talk with me this afternoon, and I am nearly dis- 
tracted. He informed me that he had promised Col. Reed 
my hand. 

Captain Brooks. O Rose ! How can you think of it? 

Bose. I hope you don't think I intend to carry out their 
plans? I have always told my father that I never would 
marry Col. Reed. But he only laughs at me and says girls 
always say No when they mean Yes. 

(Capt. Brooks advances and takes her hand, saying) : You 
have never said Yes or No to me in plain words, Rose, but I 
have dared to hope that you would be ray wife. If you love 
me we must immediately make some arrangements to thwart 
your father's plans. 

Bose. How can you doubt my love ? What else could have 
tempted me to brave the danger of this interview? I came 
to beg, to entreat you to save me ! Save me, Capt. Brooks ! 

Cajyt. Brooks. Save you, Rose? Why, is there any immedi- 
ate danger? 

Bose. Can yoii keep a secret, Capt. Brooks? 

Capt. Brooks. It shall be as sacred as my life, my love. 

Bose. I suppose you know that Gen. Washington has 
Issued a proclamation ordering every person that has taken 
the oath of allegiance to King George to deliver up their 



16 

certificates and immediately take the oatli of allegiance to the 
United States of America, However, all that prefer the pro- 
tection of Great Britain are allowed to withdraw themselves 
and families within the British lines. 

Capt. Brooks. Certainly, I know that; but does your 
father still adhere to Great Britain? 

Base. Oh, yes; and he has had an interview with Col. 
Eeed and arranged everythini?. To-morrow night Col. Reed 
will send two Indian chiefs to conduct my father and myself 
from Fort Edward to Burgoyne's headquarters. Col. Reed 
will be waiting there with a minister ready to perform the 
marriage ceremony, as we are expected to leave with Bur- 
goyne's army the next morning. 

{Copt. Brooks lonlks up ami down in an excited manner ^ say- 
ing, I must save her ! I loill save her 1 He then advances, puts 
his arm around JRose and she leans weeping on his shoulder. Capt. 
Brooks says tenderly^ : Yes, my darling, I will save you or die 
in the attempt! Now listen, and remember every word. 
You must appear to acquiesce with your father's commands. 
You must leave Fort Edward with your father and the Indian 
guides, as he has arranged, to-morrow night. I know the 
route to Burgoyne's headquarters, and will intercept you on 
the way or die in the attempt ! 

Bose. But, Captain, you will not harm my father? 

Capt, Brooks. Oh, no ! he shall suffer no harm, because he 
is your father. 

{Exit. Curtain falls. ^ 

Scene Fifth. 

{In a loood by moonlight. Capt. Brooks and Lucas walking 
up and down, watching and listening.) 

Capt. Brooks. You don't suppose we can have missed them, 
do you? 

Capt. Lucas. Oh, no; they must come this way, as they 
have no boats or canoes in which to cross the lake, and they 
would not think of going such a long distance around it. 

Capt. Brooks. You are certain they had not altered their 
arrangements? 

Capt. Lucas. Oh, don't be so nervous, Brooks ! yon must 
keep cool or you will not be able to cope with thes*^ savages. 
I saw Annie just before I left; she said McCrea was in high 



17 

spirits, and insisted that Rose should wear her white dress so 
as to be all ready for the wedding. But I guess he don't 
know who will he his son-in-law. 

Capt. Brooks. Hark! I thought I heard the sound of 
distant voices. We had better secrete ourselves and silently 
await their coming. 

(Theij secrete themselves one on each side of the path, and 
await their coming. Base and her father are seen advancing, 
loith two Indian chiefs behind them disputing as to ivhich shall 
receive the ransom. When they arrive op)posite where the cap- 
tains are secreted, one of the Indians uplifts his tomahawk and 
seizes Bose by the hair. Bose kneels, begging for mercy ; the 
other Indian stands behind her, on the other side, attempting to 
shield her with one arm and warding off the uplifted tomahawk 
icith the other. Capt. Brooks shoots the attacking Indian and 
Mr. McCrea rushes forward, falls on his knees before the cap- 
tains, crying, Save.my daughter I Save my daughter ! For God's 
sake save my daughter ! Bose faints in Capt. Brooks's arms, and 
McCrea accepts Capt. Lucas's arm. The surviving Indian in the 
mean time examines his ally, Jinds he is dead, and so retires from 
the scene. Curtain falls.) 

Scene Sixth. 

(^Fort Edward. Gen. Stark and Mr. 3IcCrea enter, shake 
hands and exchange compliments,) 

Gen Stark. Well, I hear that your surviving Indian guide 
obtained a scalp, which he carried to Col. Reed, representing 
it to be that of your daughter, and demanded the ransom. 
Poor Reed fainted at the sight of it. 

Mr. 3IcCrea Then he really thought Rose was murdered 
in the encounter? 

Gen. Stark. Oh, yes ! and they say he was nearly frantic 
with grief for a while ; but he has recovered, for you know 
that a man that loves himself so much better than any one 
else would never die with grief, even for his sweetheart. I 
think you made a good exchange, Mr. McCrea, for Capt. 
Brooks will make you much the best son-in-law. 

Mr. McCrea. Well, I must make the best of it, for I really 
feel under great obligations to Capt. Brooks for saving the 
life of my darling daughter, and if Col. Reed really thinks 
her dead we will not undeceive him, for he might make us 
some trouble. 
2 



18 

Gen. Stark. That 's so, and he probably will not remain in 
this country much longer, as we hope with the help of France 
and Spain our successes may continue until even King George 
will be obliged to withdraw his troops and acknowledge our 
independence. 

{The bridal party enters: Capt. Brooks and Rose 3IcCrca, 
Capt. Lucas and Annie Brown, and a few ladies, military 
officers, etc. They are arranged with the two couples standing 
side by side, with Mr. McCrea standing beside Bose, and Gen. 
Stark on the other side of Capt. Lucas. The priest reads the 
Episcopal ceremony . They kneel. The curtain falls.') 

LIVING TABLEAU. 

{The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Gen. Washing- 
ton's army formed in line to receive the surrender. Gen. Wash- 
ington on horseback, attended by Gen. Lafayette, rides up front 
of his army, saying, '■'■We will not exult over the fallen foe. 
When the British lay down their arms, boys, don't huzzah. 
Posterity loill Imzzah for you." Cornioallis's army now 
file past, and Cornwallis surrenders his sword to Gen. Lin- 
coln ; the colors £/" the British regiments are delivered by their 
ensigns to the sergeants in the American army. When the order 
*' Ground arms ! " is issued by the British officers, the soldiers file 
past, laying down their arms, and many of them throw thtm dovm 
with force enough to break them.) 

TABLEAU — 1776. 

In the centre an immense statue of the Goddess of Lib- 
erty.) with the equestrian statue of Gen. Washington on one 
side and equestrian statue of Gen. Lafayette on the other. 
Thirteen young ladies, dressed in red., lohite, and blue to 
represent tJie thirteen original States., each one holding aloft 
a banner with coat of arms of one of the States. These 
young ladies arranged on both sides of the central figure.^ 
the whole forming a half circle. The figures 1776, of im- 
mense size, illuminated, fill the space above the central figure. 
The thirteen original States are Delaware, Pennsylvania, 
New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Mary- 
land, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New 
York, North Carolina, Bhode Island. 



19 

TABLEAU — 1876. 

Two immense flags, one of them with thirteen stars, 1776, 
and the other with forty-two stars, 1876; these flags repre- 
sent the two centuries. The Centennial Buildings at Phila- 
delphia form the background; forty-two young ladies, each 
dressed in costume of dark blue except that the court train 
overskirt is composed of the two flags 1776 and 1876. Each 
young lady carries a banner with coat of arms representing 
one of the States or Territories. They march around in 
procession while the band plays national airs. The States 
and Territories represented are Maine, New Hampshire, 
Vermont, Massachusetts, Bhode Island, Connecticut, Wew 
York, New Jersey. Pennsylvania, Delaioare, Maryland, Vir- 
ginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississipin, Louisiana, Texas, 
Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, 
Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, 
California, Oregon, Nebraska, Washington, Nevada, Utah, 
Colorado, Dacota, New Mexico. At the close they are 
grouped, forming a tableau beneath the two flags. 



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